Chandigarh, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its governance record, highlighting quality schools and hospitals, free electricity, health insurance and financial assistance of ₹1,000 for women under the proposed Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.
Targeting the Congress over its announcement to discontinue free welfare schemes, Mann said the party’s position would further alienate voters and lead to an even worse defeat. He also criticised the BJP, accusing it of failing to protect Punjab’s interests and attempting to deprive the state of its water, Panjab University and Chandigarh.
Speaking about the Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, Mann said the initiative was intended to promote women’s dignity, financial independence and self-respect.
“The objective is to empower women so that they can live with confidence and self-respect without having to depend on others for their basic needs. Women’s welfare, dignity and financial independence must remain at the centre of governance,” he said.
Questioning the Congress’s position on the welfare initiative, Mann said his government remained committed to policies aimed at improving women’s lives and providing them with meaningful financial support.
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports, the Chief Minister said nine of the 11 players in the Indian hockey team hailed from Punjab. He described the Hero Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin in Jalandhar, as an important occasion for the state’s hockey enthusiasts.
Mann said Punjab’s hockey players would have the opportunity to perform before their home crowd after a long time, making the tournament particularly significant for the state.
He also said that successfully hosting the Asian Champions Trophy could strengthen Punjab’s prospects of hosting the 2030 Hockey World Cup. He added that the state government was committed to restoring Punjab’s sporting glory by improving facilities and providing athletes with greater opportunities and encouragement to excel at national and international levels.
Taking aim at the Congress over its position on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Mann alleged that the party’s actions in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha contradicted its public statements.
“While the Congress claims to oppose the Special Intensive Revision, its members walked away when they had the opportunity to participate in a meaningful discussion on the issue in the Vidhan Sabha. Their actions speak for themselves,” he said.
The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of repeatedly failing to stand up for Punjab’s interests, asserting that the state’s rights and aspirations must take priority.
Mann said the AAP government would approach voters on the basis of its record in public welfare and its efforts to protect Punjab’s interests. He cited initiatives in irrigation, agriculture, sports and social welfare as areas in which the government had delivered progress.
He reiterated that his government would continue working towards building a stronger and more prosperous Punjab while safeguarding the rights and aspirations of its people.
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